THERE are no old age homes or retirement villages or frail care centres, in Omaruru, a town fast gaining ground as a 'suitable retirement town' because of its climate, security and centrality.

The problem is, without any such facilities for the elderly, newcomers to the town are hesitant to commit themselves to Omaruru because of this lack, which also results in elderly people having to leave the town they love.

Reports that the Erongo Medical Group (EMG) in Walvis Bay intends establishing a retirement village in Omaruru were confirmed last week when EMG's Managing Director, Matthias Braune, told The Namibian that EMG is looking into a retirement setup, but would not divulge further information as negotiations with the Omaruru Town Council are still ongoing.

A source who assists the elderly in need of support and care, told The Namibian that Omaruru was an ideal place for senior citizens because of its moderate climate, security and central proximity.

"These people get older though, and the houses they live in become too big for them to manage. Others become sick and need proper care, but here is no place to care for them. Many of our old people have to leave this town to go to other towns like Swakopmund, Walvis Bay and Windhoek to join old-age homes or frailcare-centres, but there's also not always place. It's a big problem that need serious attention," the source said. "The climate and largeness of these towns and the city are also not ideal for them."

A questionnaire was sent out to all the senior citizens to find out what their needs were, and the majority of them (in Omaruru) called for the establishment of a retirement village, old age home and frail care-centre.

Heiner Dorgeloh, an Omaruru Councillor, confirmed this need to the newspaper, adding that "the sooner a retirement village and frail care-centre is established in Omaruru, the better".

He had good news though, since he was present at a recent meeting between the council and EMG.

"[EMG] originally wanted to build a private hospital here and we can give them a piece of land near the old Luna Park.

We met with them last week, and the reason for the meeting was for them to tell us that it would not be feasible to build the hospital. However, they proposed the idea of a retirement village and frail care facility, and the council was all for it" he said.

According to him, the parties will meet in three weeks time again, where EMG will put forward a plan regarding the proposed place for the elderly.